When doing home repairs, know that with the right methods and tools, no paint remains permanently on the walls, and the process of removing it is not difficult
If you choose the wrong color or make a mistake while painting, you can remove the paint using special tools, such as a paint scraper, sandpaper, or heat gun (a tool like a hairdryer, but can give off a lot of heat). The best method to use will depend on your budget, the type of wall and paint, and your confidence in handling the equipment. Once you've made your choices and assembled your tools, be prepared to remove paint from the walls to make them look better than they were before.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Sandpaper for Drywall
Step 1. Clean the walls using soap and hot water
So that the wall is ready to be sanded, first mix soap and hot water in a bucket. Next, dip the cloth in the bucket and wash the walls. This is useful for removing dirt or streaks adhering to the paint so that your task becomes easier.
Step 2. Buy an emery block or sander
Unfortunately, scrubbing the walls with just sandpaper won't do the trick. Instead, you'll need to buy an emery block or an sanding machine. An emery block is a small block that can be wrapped with sandpaper, which will make it easier for you to sand a flat surface. An emery machine is a drill-like tool that can be attached with sandpaper to rub the surface of an object.
- To use an emery block, place the sandpaper on one side of the block, then hold it in your hand from the other side.
- The way the sandpaper is placed in the sanding machine will vary, but this tool usually provides a slot to place the sandpaper in before you turn it on. If you've never used this tool, a safer option is an emery block.
- You can use sandpaper with a coarser grit (roughness, the lower the number, the coarser the sandpaper) because your goal is to scrape off unwanted paint. Use 80 grit sandpaper to remove any clumps of paint.
- You run the risk of inhaling toxic dust when sanding walls. So, wear a mask before doing it.
Step 3. Sand off the unwanted paint
Rub the rough part of the sandpaper into the paint. Move the block or sanding machine back and forth in an area of 30 square centimeters. Apply firm pressure to the wall if you are using an emery block.
Scrub the unwanted paint until it becomes dull. After that clean the dust by wiping it
Step 4. Scrape off the paint if you want to completely remove it
If you really want to peel off all of the paint instead of covering it with fresh paint, use a paint scraper to scrape off the unwanted paint.
- Place the scraper blade under the unwanted paint, then press the blade against the wall, and slide the scraper under the paint to peel it off.
- Sanding will weaken the paint so you can peel it off easily.
Method 2 of 3: Using Paint Scraper Chemicals for Concrete Walls
Step 1. Purchase chemical-resistant gloves and increase the ventilation of the room
Paint scraper chemicals will damage the chemical structure of the paint and cause it to break down naturally. Before carrying out this process, purchase chemical-resistant gloves. You should also wear used clothes that are no longer used.
Open an existing window. It is very important to keep the room well ventilated as these chemicals can create toxic fumes if there is no fresh air flow in the room
Step 2. Remove all the furniture and cover the floor
Paint scraper chemicals will peel off just about anything. So, make sure valuables have been removed from the room. Move the furniture to another room when you remove the paint.
- To keep the floor of the room safe, buy some items at the nearest store. You will need a large sheet of plastic and a large sheet of craft paper or rosin paper.
- Spread the plastic sheet over the floor starting at the base of the wall. Next, cover the plastic with a sheet of craft paper or rosin paper. If any chemical drips down, the floor will be protected by this layer.
Step 3. Apply paint scraper chemical to the wall
The ideal tool for applying it is a wide brush. If you don't have one, buy a new brush before you start the process. Dip the brush in the chemical, then apply the paint scraper all over the wall. Apply about 3 mm thick of chemical so the coating doesn't dry out too quickly. The layer thickness doesn't have to be exact, and you can measure it by eye.
If you are working on a vertical surface, use a chemical with a paste-like texture to prevent it from dripping onto your body
Step 4. Wait for the paint scraper to do its job
The chemical process can take a few minutes or several hours depending on the materials used. Read the product instructions and wait for the appropriate time according to the product instructions.
Step 5. Scrape off the paint when bubbles appear
The wall paint will start to bubble when the specified waiting time has arrived. If the paint is bubbling, take a paint scraper (if you don't have one, use a putty knife or spatula) and scrape off all the paint. The paint will peel off in long sheets. Scrape the paint off the wall as much as possible.
- To use the paint scraper, place the scraper blade under the paint you want to peel off, press the blade until it is tucked under the paint, then peel off the paint by moving the scraper up.
- If there are spots of paint remaining, use a toothpick or an unused toothbrush to scrape off the paint.
- If the base coat is still firmly attached, reapply the paint scraper chemical to remove the coat separately.
Step 6. Follow the paint scraper product directions to neutralize the walls when you're done
If you want to repaint, the new coat of paint will not stick if the paint-removal chemicals have not been neutralized. How to neutralize it will vary depending on the product used. However, you usually have to wash them with water, mineral turpentine, or a special product.
- For example, you may need to neutralize it by mixing 4 liters of water and 120 ml of neutralizing agent. After that, wash the walls with this mixture using a rag.
- Check the paint scraper chemical packaging and follow the instructions provided.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Heat Gun for Wooden Walls
Step 1. Purchase protective eyewear, long sleeves, and thick gloves
You will be working with an appliance that emits high heat. So, wear protective eyewear, thick long-sleeved shirt (if you have one), and thick gloves to prevent burns.
This method also requires a paint scraper
Step 2. Create a heat shield if you only want to remove paint in certain areas
The heat gun is perfect for removing paint on all parts of the wall. However, if you only want to remove paint in certain areas, you will need to use a heat protectant.
Use the scissors to cut the cardboard into a ring-like shape that is slightly larger than the target area. Next, wrap the cardboard ring with aluminum foil. Place this heat shield over the targeted spot and continue the process
Step 3. Spray heat on unwanted paint
With a wide sweeping motion and keeping the distance between the heat gun nozzle and the surface at 5 cm, spray heat steadily on the wall, piece by piece. You can measure the parts to be handled using a tape measure.
- To start, spray heat on one of the 90 cm wide walls.
- You can be prepared to move to another part of the wall if the paint starts to loosen and peel off the surface of the wall behind it.
- If you are using a heat shield, focus the nozzle on the targeted area for a shorter period of time until the paint begins to loosen.
Step 4. Scrape off any unwanted paint on the heated area
Use a scraper to remove any paint that has come off the heated part of the wall. Drive the scraper blade into the loose paint, then push it up in a shovel-like motion to peel the paint off.
Step 5. Repeat this process on the entire wall
Move to another part of the wall (stay 90 cm), heat the surface, then scrape off the paint. Continue to do this until all the paint on the entire wall is removed, piece by piece.
